You totally nailed it, clairey. He's like a grumpy old man, only not old!

My original perception of him being the submissive pig were way off. He is demanding, and knows he's adorable doing it. He stands up to the tippy top of the cage and waits for his kiss on the crest. He bosses Ace around, and gives tons of stinkeye.

Ace always has the "who, me?" innocent expression, and honestly most of the time I think he's clueless that he's being bossed. He just wants to eat.